A SECOND World War veteran says he and his comrades have been let down by Chester Racecourse after the Cheshire Regiment lost the annual handicap race run in its name.

Chester Races provides one of the social highlights of the year for Ernie Innes, president of the Ellesmere Port branch of the Cheshire Regiment Association, and his fellow veterans.

But this year their annual showpiece event, the Cheshire Regiment Handicap race, has been axed as a large sponsor has taken over the slot.

The Norfolk Hotel in Birmingham has put forward a 'substantial package' to take up the time slot previously occupied by the regiment and, despite the Cheshires being offered an alternative date, Mr Innes is dissatisfied.

He said: 'There doesn't seem to be any loyalty. All the lads in Ellesmere Port are very disappointed but, like most people these days, Chester Racecourse is just thinking of its profits.

'We're still going along on the day as we've booked our coaches and it's too late to change our arrangements. I've written to the racecourse management, but they don't take any notice. I think it's a dirty trick.'

In the past the Cheshire Regiment had been given its race slot on a complimentary basis, but Chester Racecourse marketing executive Ellie Wheeler has revealed financial realities forced the company to make its decision for this year's meeting.

She said: 'Like any racecourse, we have a responsibility to gain sponsors and fundraising is hard at any time.

'If somebody is willing to give us money for a race, then it will benefit the sport as a whole. The May Festival is our biggest event of the year and enables us to increase our prize money and attract the top horses from abroad.

'We have the highest regard for the Cheshire Regiment and have offered them an alternative date for their race. But we will still be giving them all of their other usual arrangements on Chester Race Day, such as their free marquee, badges and permission to sell their own drinks.'